Jurgen Klopp insists he remains “over the moon” with Liverpool’s position in the title race despite the Reds dropping two potentially costly points in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
Mohamed Salah’s 84th-minute penalty spared Liverpool’s blushes after wondergoals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo left them staring at their third defeat of the Premier League season.
However, the result still saw Liverpool lose control of the title race, with Arsenal possessing a goal difference advantage of nine goals over them and Manchester City one point back in third.
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Despite Liverpool dropping points in a game they controlled for long periods, not facing a single shot until Fernandes’ 50th-minute equaliser, Klopp is not panicking.
“I knew it would be super tricky until the end. That’s all. Until yesterday, we were top of the table and now it is Arsenal,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“We are fine with our situation. I wish we had more points, but I am over the moon that these boys brought us into this situation.
“The same boys that missed a few chances today are the boys who brought us to 71 points, so I am absolutely fine with that.”
Liverpool miss out on the chance to go top of the Premier League after a 2-2 draw with Man Utd 🤦
Advantage to @ARSENAL. 🫴 PIC.TWITTER.COM/FRJXP0ZHUS
— Premier League (@premierleague) APRIL 7, 2024
Despite the likelihood of the title race going to the wire, Klopp believes it would be “dumb” for Liverpool to chase more goals in a bid to close Arsenal’s advantage over them.
“After 38 matchdays, it matters a lot. There is a big difference after 38 matchdays,” Klopp said of the Reds’ position.
“Look, you – and our supporters as well – will tell us Arsenal have the better goal difference and now we have to go for that. That would be the dumbest thing we could do.
“It doesn’t happen on purpose. You don’t win a game and want to score eight goals and it happens.
“We are who we are, we are how we are and that is why we are in the race and I am absolutely fine with that.”
How do you assess the performances from both @MANUTD and @LFC at Old Trafford? 📊#MUNLIV PIC.TWITTER.COM/ARHIRLLXNO
— Premier League (@premierleague) APRIL 7, 2024
United could still have a further say in the title race, with Arsenal due to visit Old Trafford on the penultimate weekend of the season.
However, Klopp has no doubt the Gunners would have made the Red Devils pay on Sunday.
“If we are still around then it would be great [for United to beat Arsenal], but Arsenal are a good football team,” Klopp said.
“If United play like they did today Arsenal will win that game, I’m 100 per cent sure.”
